Method of compact packaging to transport, protect and display pillow(s)

ABSTRACT

A method to use a smaller or compact size bag or packaging apparatus for pillows designed for sleeping. The technique used is to decrease a pillow&#39;s length and height by manipulating a pillow original size, by hand or machine, folding a pillow in half horizontally or vertically to reduce pillow&#39;s regular or original shape and size for the purpose of fitting the pillow into a smaller protective package used to transport, protect and display pillow. Compact packaging for pillows is accomplished when a folded pillow is placed into the packaging apparatus, at the pillows reduced size creating a compact method of packaging for pillows to be used in commerce.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/818238 filed Jul. 3, 2006

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present inventions relates generally to the field of compact packaging for compressible articles and more particularly to a method for packaging the pillow into a smaller compressed state.

BACKGROUND

Pillows used as a support and comfort of the body, particularly the head are well known. The basic form of such pillow articles typically include a case stuffed with any batting, feather, or latex, or various other natural or man-made materials used for cushioning.

The basic form also includes a cover to contain those inner contents. While this invention is directed to all such products, for purposes of simplification, the invention will be described with reference to a pillow.

Present day commercial products have generally performed well. Such products typically use a package or bag that encases the full uncompressed and unfolded original shape of the pillow. The typical package simply protects the pillow from soil & damage during transport & storage. A number of the pillows are, packaged in cartons, soft-side packages and so forth, which are eventually purchased by the consumer. For use, the consumer opens the package, removes the article from the package and discards the package.

Additionally, the typical pillow package presents certain drawbacks. For example, due to its encasing of an uncompressed & unfolded pillow, the size of the package is larger than necessary. The savings on shipping & distribution will in turn benefit the consumer as well as the environment. Excess packaging is unhealthy for the environment. It uses more material for the actual package itself & the boxes or cartons used to distribute the pillows, which in turn takes, up more space to transport & more energy & materials are therefore consumed in the entire process. This adds to the expense monetarily & environmentally.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The object on which the invention is based is to improve the method of packaging a pillow. The packaging of the pillow is designed to enclose the pillow in a compressed or folded state to reduce the volume of the pillow.

Pillows, by reason of their fibrous filler material which causes them to entrap air, require a greater area in their normal, expanded condition than would otherwise be required if the pillow was compressed, folded and some air be removed from it. As can readily be appreciated if such expanded products were packaged for shipment in such normal uncompressed or unfolded condition, they would require larger shipping packages or containers than if their size can be materially reduced. The result can effect substantial saving in storage space, shipping costs and lowered cost of smaller cartons and other containers as well as save space in store display areas. Smaller packaging would benefit travelers wishing to carry along a pillow in a confined space such as in planes, trains or automobiles for added convenience and comfort.

By using the innovative approach of folding a pillow to reduce over all shape and size will allow a sure fit into a smaller bag or packaging apparatus. The obvious and traditional way of packaging pillows for use in commerce is in their standard shape and size. The current use of a protective transport packaging for a pillow is a thinner in width but wider in length and height for pillow's currently being used in commerce. Most companies use this method of protecting pillows and display the pillow in a labeled package.

This new approach to the way a pillow is packaged by reducing pillows shape and size and delivered in compact packaging to customers will allow a distinct advantage over the traditional pillow packaging offered now. Bringing to market a smaller more attractive and convenient way to protect, transport, and display pillows will allow the new technique to be one of a kind.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.

For example, folding pillow more than twice would further reduce its volume. The use of a constricting device to hold the pillow into a reduced shape or size is another method of compact packaging. Even more obvious is placing a folded pillow into a plain or labeled poly bag for use in commerce. Also a thin, protective covering much like a pillow case may be used after which manipulating the pillow would reduce shape and size, then a binding apparatus would be put into place to hold the desired compact shape.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings, a flexible package 11 has opposed front 13 & rear 14 sides and opposed ends 21 and 22 and bottom side 15 with opposing lid 17. These six sides join together to form a hollow interior 18. The releasable fastener 16 is attached to sides 13, 21, and 22 at the top. The other part of the releasable fastener 16 is attached to lid 17 so as to enclose flexible package 11's lid 17 to sides 13, 21, and 22. Lid 17 is attached to back 14 in a continuous manner with no fastening means needed.

An important aspect of the present invention is a simple method of storing, shipping and offering a pillow for sale within a combined carrying & display platform.

A method of compact packaging for pillows 10 will include a method to decrease a pillow's length and height by folding pillow in half, by hand or machine, horizontally or vertically to reduce pillow's regular shape and size before the pillow's packaging stage. When a folded pillow 20 is disposed into the hollow interior of the compact container 11 the pillow's reduced size is maintained thus creating a compact process of packaging for pillows to be used in commerce. Using the innovative yet simple approach of folding a pillow to reduce over all shape and size will allow a sure fit into a smaller compact container 11.

The drawings and forgoing descriptions are not intended to represent the only forms of the invention in regard to the details of its construction and manner of operation. Changes in form and in the proportions of parts, as well as the substitution of equivalents, are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient; and although specific terms have been employed, they are intended in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being delineated by the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the principles of the inventions as illustrated herein, which would occur to one who is skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.

An exemplary compactly packaged latex pillow 10 is sized and shaped to consume a considerably smaller volume and be more conveniently shaped than conventionally packaged pillows FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. As illustrated, the packaged pillow 10 begins as a pillow of normal size and shape in accordance with conventional pillows. The pillow can be one of a latex of types known to those in the art, and may be formed from a variety of latex materials. The pillow begins with a first, normal expanded volumetric configuration characterized by a normal length L, normal width W, and normal height H of the pillow. As used herein, the term “normal” is understood to mean to be the post manufactured state in which it is ready to be used by the consumer, in reference to the various dimensions of the pillow. Thus, the compacted pillow can have a size having a height, width and length of normal size, such as conventionally provided to consumers.

As shown in FIG. 1 an example of a conventional packaged pillow in its expanded form packaged in its full length, width and height. The package can be improved upon by reducing one or more of the length, width or height of the pillow. While a width dimension, corresponding to thickness, may be increased, it is not increased to exceed the height or the length of the pillow. This will result in a more convenient and compact size overall.

While the example of compactly packaged pillows 10 shown in many of the figures of this disclosure includes a generally rectangular shape, it is contemplated that the volumetrically reduced pillow can be of a variety of sizes and shapes. For instance, volumetrically reduced pillow can have a cylindrical shape. This embodiment may be beneficial, for example, in applications in which the pillow is to be stored in rounded or cylindrical receptacles, such as cans or tubes. The compact container will force the pillow to conform to the general shape of the reduced volume encasement whether the compact container is of a flexible or non-flexible nature. In this manner, the pillow can be formed in a variety of reduced volume shapes for a variety of applications.

The reduced volumetric configuration 10 can differ from the normal volumetric configuration FIG. 1 in width, length, height, volume and overall size. As will be appreciated from the figures, not only is the volume of the compactly packaged pillow reduced overall, but in the example embodiment the length is also reduced. Thus, the pillow can be reduced in volumetric configuration to consume much less space than the pillow consumes when in the normal configuration. The reduced pillow becomes denser by volumetric reduction from a first greater volume and lesser nominal density to a second reduced volume and increased density. The compact container can thereby confine the reduced pillow so that the pillow is retained in the reduced volume by the compact container. The volumetric reduction can entail dimensional reductions in width, height, length, or diameter. In this manner, a volumetrically reduced, space-efficient denser pillow is provided that can be easily stored and carried by an individual in an easy manner. Upon release of the reduced pillow from the compact container, the pillow can be volumetrically expanded and used in the same manner as conventionally packaged pillow. Thus, in the space required to store one conventional pillow, more pillows packaged in accordance with the invention can be stored. The reduced volume packaged pillows 10 are advantageous in reducing storage space and will benefit the retailer by establishing a need for less floor or shelf space. The space required for packaging, shipping, etc., is also reduced, leading to considerable cost savings in associated processes.

As used herein, the term “compact container” is to be understood to encompass a broad range of materials and configurations for containing or restraining or enclosing a volumetrically reduced pillow. For example, the compact container 11 may completely encompass a pillow and hold the pillow under a vacuum seal or other pressure differential or state of compaction. In addition, the compact container may only partially encompass the pillow to maintain the compressed state of the pillow. Moreover, it is intended to be understood herein to be synonymous with restraint or enclosure, or containment, in this context. The salient point being that it constrains, by some means, the densified pillow from expanding. Other compact containers besides the examples shown can also be utilized, as would occur to one skilled in the art.

In one method of the invention the pillow as in FIG. 2 begins with a normal volumetric configuration, sized and shaped as may be conventionally provided by the manufacturer of the pillow. The pillow is reduced in volume by folding the pillow either by hand or machine. The fold may be along the vertical axis or the horizontal axis of the pillow. It may be desired to fold the pillow more than once. After the pillow has been folded a desired number of times; the folded pillow is disposed in the compact container 11 having a hollow interior 18 and an open able lid 17. The open able lid will then be closed and sealed with a fastening means 16 such as snaps, a zipper, hook and loop or drawstring. The compact package may be formed of a substantially impermeable material. Compact container 11 can then be evacuated of air to form a relative vacuum within the compact container (if so desired), after which the compact container can be sealed with a releasable fastening means to maintain the vacuum in the pillow and the compact container. The vacuum method would reduce the volume of the packaged pillow substantially. When the compact container is opened using the releasable fastening means the pillow is able to return to its nominal volumetric configuration. That is, the user can open the compact container; after which, the pillow will no longer be subject to confining force due to the compact package and/or a pressure differential. Unopposed rebound forces in the latex materials which comprise the pillow will return it to its nominal configuration.

While the reduced volume configuration can be created and maintained in a number of ways, the invention includes the compact package which can encompass the reduced volume pillow. When a consumer travels, the pillow can be placed back into the reusable compact package. The consumer will partially evacuate air out of the pillow by folding and compressing the pillow by hand. The next step for the consumer would be to dispose the pillow while in a compressed and reduced volume state in the hollow part of the compact package. The pillow article is folded and placed into compact package so that the volume of pillow is reduced by approximately half. The pillow is folded such that the length of the pillow while in the compact package is approximately one half of the original length.

The consumer will appreciate that the package is reusable. The package can be used for storage of the pillow or for traveling purposes. People who travel by plane are especially concerned with the size of carry on bags. The pillow encased in the compact package 10 easily meets that size criteria. This is especially of great concern to people who travel extensively and goon long or over night flights. The compactly packaged pillow is much easier to travel with due to its compact state.

The compact package reduces amount of landfill waste due to the fact that less packaging material is needed to encompass the compressed pillow when in a compact state of being. Less volume packaging will also reduce the amount of cardboard or other shipping containers and furthermore will lessen energy and fuel needs for transportation since more pillows can be transported in a single truck, plane or ship for commerce. Less fuel used for transportation reduces pollution caused by transportation vehicles.

The preferred pillow is constructed of latex. The reason latex is preferred is that a pillow comprised of latex is a naturally resilient substance able to return to its original form when released from folded or compressed state. Latex is a natural product of the rubber tree. The rubber tree is not harmed during the harvest of the natural rubber. The need for rubber tree farms will benefit the earth by increasing the number of tree on earth. More trees mean more photosynthesis and therefore more oxygen and less carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. Latex is biodegradable and is therefore environmentally friendly. Other pillows constructed of polyester fill or other synthetic materials are not biodegradable and therefore not environmentally friendly. The genuine latex pillow has many benefits over normal pillow materials. The latex pillow is a natural substance which is hypoallergenic, antimicrobial and inhibits the growth of dust mites, mold and mildew so the latex pillow benefits people with some allergic conditions. The preferred latex has an interconnecting cell structure for natural ventilation. The latex pillow may benefit people who desire a great comfort level that a feather or down pillow can offer but are however allergic to the feather or down. The latex pillow may be of low, medium or high densities. 

1. An individual compactly packaged pillow comprising of latex which is encompassed in a cloth covering. said pillow comprised of latex is resilient and will return to its original form when removed from said compact package; said pillow may be of various sizes and densities of latex; a cloth cover fully encompassing said pillow will protect the latex from soil; said compact package for said pillow includes a stabilizing means wherein stabilizing means may be comprised of cardboard or various other options such as stiff plastic, foam or a frame; said compact container has an releasable fastening lid; said compact container has a hollow interior; said pillow is disposed in the hollow interior of said compact package.
 2. Method for packaging latex pillows in a compact packaging apparatus having an opening comprising the steps of: folding latex pillow by along its vertical axis; applying a force to compress the folded latex pillow into a lesser volume; introducing latex pillow into the compact package having a hollow interior accessible through the lid opening thereof; applying retainer means to retain the latex pillow's folded and compressed position in the compact package; the retainer means will be maintained when the lid opening is closed by a releasable fastening means of closure; latex pillow is then retained and compressed therein by the applied retainer means
 3. Wherein said fastening means could be hook and loop.
 4. Wherein said fastening means could be a zipper.
 5. Wherein said fastening means could be snaps.
 6. Wherein said fastening means could be drawstring.
 7. The method of claim 3 wherein said container is formed of textile material.
 8. The method of claim 3 wherein said container is formed of a non-woven material.
 9. The method of claim 9 wherein said non-woven material is plastic.
 10. The method of claim 9 therein said non-woven material is clear. 